Panthers go down to an inspired Saints squad 23-20

By Hugo Guzman  |   Sunday, September 11, 2005  |  Comments( 0 )

Carolina Panthers
Got something to say?

Sign Up and be the first to comment on this article!
New Orleans residents have been through a lot lately, but on Sunday the Saints gave them something to smile about with a 23-20 win over the Carolina Panthers. A game filled with penalties and turnovers, ended on a 47 yard John Carney field goal with 3 seconds left to win the game.

After last season's many injuries, the Panthers were ready to start a new year with many of their Pro-Bowlers back. On the first Saints possession, Carolina watched in horror as they saw DT Kris Jenkins go down with a right knee sprain. Jenkins was one of the 14 players out last year due to injuries. He would return only to leave the game. The Carolina defense had no sacks or interceptions in the game. Quarterback Jake Delhomme went only 19 of 31 and threw 2 interceptions. Panther fans were excited to see Stephen Davis back on the field after undergoing micro fracture knee surgery last year. He ran for 81 yards and scored a touchdown. Steve Smith who was also on the injured reserve last season looked very good with 8 catches for 138 yards and a touchdown. Carolina ended the first half with 2 missed touchdown opportunities within 2 minutes because of penalties.

The Saints weren't only playing for themselves in this game. They were playing for the whole city of New Orleans. They came out strong with Deuce McAllister running nine times in their first drive and ending with a touchdown. He would score another TD in the second quarter and end up with 64 yards for the day. Aaron Brooks threw for 192 yards in the game. He was 18 of 24 with 6 of those completions going to veteran TE Ernie Conwell, who ended the game with 71 yards, but left early due to a possible concussion from a hard hit he took from Marlon McCree. Kicker John Carney was 3 of 3 including the 47 yard game winning field goal.
Got something to say?

Sign Up and be the first to comment on this article! (0)

About Hugo Guzman

Trying to bring an objective approach to NFL analysis.
read more
Article Tools Share!   |  RSS  |  Bleacher Report About Bleacher Report